Well I've had problems with alcohol on and off for the past 3 years, mostly to self medicate for my panic disorder/depression issues.
I have been using benzo's intermittantly (about 2 weeks out of each month for the past year), but they never last longer than that because their not prescribed, also I had made a point not to take for longer than 4 weeks with the two week break to avoid dependance, but because of this I would take more than necessary (that and my self control issues are a bit of an issue). I have tried everything else and now feel that the only way out right now is to add a once or twice a day klonopin dose (I had been using valium but that's not really readilly prescribed, and the klonopin works just as well). I have tried to avoid this at all costs, but feel after 3 years of being stuck in a loop of anxiety and substance abuse (alcohol), feel I have no choice (we'll see what the doctor says).
I recently have been going to AA but fell of the wagon on Saturday due to rebound anxiety from being without benzo's, which led to a bad arguement with me and my girlfriend, and I've agreed to go to rehab. I have been getting public assistance because I'm out of work right now and for the life of me can not find a job, but after 3 months of anxiety management group sessions I finally have a one on one with my psychologist (it's all the same mental health center) the 17th, a psychiatric evaluation (for medications) the day before, and I just made an appt. for an evaluation with the local drug and alcohol commission that takes my insurance and is within walking distance, that's scheduled for the 18th. I also have been prescribed celexa which worked somewhat for depression, although I have been without for a month waiting to see this psychiatrist.
I plan on taking a "break" from my tense living situation for a little while before my treatment starts, staying with my mom who's picking me up this Saturday. I think I'm taking all of the right steps but it's very hard waking up with this terrible anxiety still, although since I made the appt with the drug and alcohol commission and plans to take a "break" from my environment I'm starting to feel a little better. I've been sober since that Saturday, although yesterday morning was hard because I had to wake up and reep what was sowed the previous evening.
I'm grateful for this thread and feel for everyone here, thanks for hearing me out.